LeBron James recently shared his excitement about the Los Angeles Lakers drafting Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Knecht, who had a stellar season at the University of Tennessee, was one of James’ favorite college basketball players to watch last year, aside from his son, Bronny James. This high praise from a player of LeBron’s stature underscores Knecht’s potential impact on the Lakers.
“Throughout the course of the college season Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favorite player in college basketball. I watched his game throughout the whole season I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism, his height, his demeanor that he plays with. I’ve always kinda felt that his game would translate to the NBA.”
“I did not think he would fall to 17 at all. So I didn’t think we would even have an opportunity to get him. But I’m glad he did so I’m looking forward to that.”
Lakers’ LeBron James on rookie Dalton Knecht: “Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favorite player in college basketball. … I did not think he would fall to 17 at all. … I’m glad he did.” pic.twitter.com/TGe9OUoGtX
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 6, 2024
LeBron’s admiration for Knecht is well-founded. During the NCAA Tournament, he was particularly interested in Tennessee’s game against Purdue to watch Knecht in action. Knecht’s efficient scoring, athleticism, and overall game demeanor impressed LeBron, making him believe Knecht’s game would transition well to the NBA.
Despite many expecting Knecht to be a top-10 pick, he fell to the Lakers at No. 17, a turn of events that surprised but delighted LeBron. The unexpected availability of Knecht at this position was a fortunate outcome for the Lakers, as it gave them a chance to add a talented player who fits well with their needs.
Knecht’s outstanding season at Tennessee earned him SEC Player of the Year and Consensus first-team All-American honors. He averaged 21.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting, including 39.7 percent from three-point range, and contributed 4.9 rebounds per game. His performances were instrumental in leading Tennessee to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his skills on a big stage.
Knecht’s arrival is timely for the Lakers, who are looking to strengthen their roster with young talent that can complement their veteran stars. His ability to shoot efficiently from the perimeter and score reliably will be valuable for a team that needs strong perimeter shooting to support the playmaking of LeBron and Anthony Davis.
Knecht’s success in the NBA will depend on how quickly he can adjust to the professional level and integrate with his new teammates. Given LeBron’s endorsement and the opportunity to play alongside one of the greatest players in basketball history, Knecht has a strong foundation to build upon.
As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, there will be significant interest in seeing how Knecht contributes to their championship aspirations.
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